From Township Roots to Academic Heights: Dr Gumede-Zuma’s Journey in Dentistry

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Born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, Dr Sinenhlanhla Gumede-Zuma’s roots are firmly grounded in townships that helped shape her perspective on community, education and the importance of accessible healthcare. 

Her early years were spent in Mbali. In high school she moved to the township of Sobantu, going on to complete her matric at Kharina Secondary School in Northdale - already harbouring a deep curiosity about the intersection of healthcare and education. 

Gumede-Zuma graduated with a PhD in Dentistry but her journey into dentistry wasn’t a straight line - rather it was one nurtured by passion, persistence and the strong support of those around her. 

‘My older brother played a huge role in encouraging me,’ she recalls. But it was during her undergraduate studies that the seed for academic advancement was truly planted. Inspired by the words and work of her supervisor Professor Shenuka Singh she began to envision a future beyond clinical practice, one that included research, education, and public health. That vision led her to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health and a Masters in Medical Sciences. 

In 2020, while working part-time at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), she met Dr Mbuyiselwa Radebe, who, like Singh, saw her potential and urged her to continue her academic journey. Radebe took on the role of her co-supervisor. ‘Professor Singh and Dr Radebe were my supervisors and mentors. Their encouragement, alongside my desire to help underserved communities, shaped my path to a PhD.’ 

Gumede-Zuma’s doctoral research focused on a crucial yet often overlooked area - the oral health needs of learners with disabilities in special schools in eThekwini. Her study adopted a mixed-method, exploratory design across 22 schools and involved five comprehensive phases including clinical assessments, interviews, questionnaires and focus groups. The findings revealed a concerning prevalence of untreated dental caries, especially among learners with intellectual disabilities. Oral health programmes in these schools were found to be inconsistent, hampered by limited resources and the long-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Educators and caregivers displayed moderate oral health knowledge but benefitted immensely from visual aids and practical demonstrations. A school-based oral health education event - designed as part of the study - not only boosted awareness but also empowered caregivers and educators to apply improved oral hygiene practices. 

In response to these findings, Gumede-Zuma proposed a tailored framework to guide sustainable oral health planning for special schools, a model she hopes will be implemented widely in the future. 

Singh congratulated Gumede-Zuma. ‘Sine has been an exemplary student, with four published articles, one in review, and two conference presentations. She has really set the bar so high for a doctoral student.’ 

With over 12 years of experience as a dental therapist in both public and private healthcare sectors, Gumede-Zuma has also made her mark in academia as a part-time lecturer. Now, she’s setting her sights on full-time lecturing, continuing her research at postdoctoral level, and possibly pursuing a Master of Business Administration to complement her academic and leadership skills. 

‘I’m passionate about teaching and empowering the next generation of healthcare workers,’ she said. ‘I want to contribute meaningfully to oral health research, especially in underrepresented communities.’ 

When she is not immersed in research or teaching, Gumede-Zuma enjoys reading, writing, and travelling. She attends workshops regularly and finds joy in exploring different cultures. ‘Continuous learning is important to me - whether it’s books, podcasts, or learning new skills,’ she added. 

Time with family and friends is equally treasured, keeping her grounded and balanced.

Words: MaryAnn Francis

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini